Small Ship Cruise Talk

In this exclusive sit-down with Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, we are bringing you info about this luxury, relatively new cruise line that's taking the rivers by storm! 

Jen shares how Riverside's definition of luxury goes beyond premium amenities: it's rooted in personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, highlighted by their remarkable one-to-one crew-to-suite ratio. The ships feel m...

Should you extend your cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland? Discover if it’s the right move for you as we cover practical logistics, must-see attractions, insider tips, culinary experiences, cruise port locations, and more. We’ll fill you in on the importance of planning ahead, especially to coordinate with your cruise embarkation, and share our personal experiences to enhance your vacation to this vibrant, Nordic city.

• See our recomme...

Our unforgettable experience cruising around Iceland with Windstar on the yacht named Star Pride is one for the books! Tune in to learn the unique advantages of small ship cruising in this outstandingly gorgeous Nordic country, including direct access to ports, personalized service, and immersive experiences. 

Learn exactly what ports we visited and why they were special, about the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and o...

We are exploring the world of luxury cruising with expert Dana Freeman! She shares her journey, inspired by her grandmother's love of cruising, so you can understand what makes different cruise lines unique in the niche.

Learn about Galapagos with Ecoventura, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Seabourn and Emerald cruises, plus the intimate nature of small ship cruising for varied adventures. Dana shares luxurious experiences highlighti...

If you've heard anything about river cruise lines, the names "Viking" and "AmaWaterways" likely sound familiar. We break down the key differences between and similarities between these two leading river cruise lines. Join us as we discuss ship design, dining experiences, excursion options, pricing, and the target audience for each option. 

With firsthand experiences, we provide insights to help you choose th...

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the right cruise for your dream vacation in The Last Frontier.

Here are some helpful links fro...

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoying Sitka. 

You’ll also discover the hidden treasures that make Sitka a standout destin...

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of valuable insights and a comprehensive guide to Ketchikan's attractions and local sp...

As part of our All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips, and the benefits of extending your stay in Alaska.

During this episode, we reference: 

We take a closer look at Keukenhof gardens—one of the most famous gardens in the world and the most world-renowned tulip garden. We discuss the range of destinations often included on tulip river cruise itineraries, from medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent to the charm of Delft to modern cities like Rotterdam. 

We also discuss how far in advance to book, starting prices and inclusions. 

We share our insider knowledge about the annua...

We explore what makes tulip season river cruises so special, including why Amsterdam is the ideal embarkation point, what to expect during spring in The Netherlands & Belgium, and where to see the famous fields in bloom. We also answer the question: Can you see lots of tulips in Amsterdam? Spoiler alert: The answer will surprise you!

We also share helpful travel logistics, pre- and post-cruise options, and insider tips for navig...

Seatrade Global is the world's leading annual business-to-business event for the global cruise industry, taking place in Miami, Florida. We just returned from this premier industry event, which invites media to attend its tradeshow, keynote addresses, panels, and press conferences. 

Learn about the nine revelations that impact small ship cruising for the year ahead and that will influence your future travels, understanding how ...

Vacations cost money and we want to help you plan for your dream small ship cruises! Join us to explore the world of small ship cruising from a cost and budgeting lens. Find out what to save for an investment in a river or barge cruise, expedition, luxury yacht, or sailing trip. And guess what? They're not the prices you would think!

We provide insights into travel costs and inclusions, along with tips for planning your next ad...

In Part 2 of this two-parter on river cruising, we expand your knowledge about what it's like to river cruise. 

Whether it's your first, fifth, or tenth river cruise, you'll enjoy listening to our conversation as we reminisce about river cruise trips and planning - from why it's essential to get travel insurance (like that time we missed our first evening in Lyon) to why it's important to arrive in your port...

Maybe it's your first time on a river cruise, second or sixth. Whether you're new to this form of small ship cruising and want to learn more about what it's like to cruise on this type of vessel, or a seasoned pro who wants to reminisce and laugh along with us, Dan and Mikkel, as we recall recent river cruise trip, we invite you to join us as we discuss the Top Things to Know about River Cruising. 

Find out what a typ...

Join us as we explore the differences between ocean & river cruising. 

Discussing our personal experiences on both types of cruises, we highlight the stark contrasts in amenities, entertainment, dining options, and atmosphere. Curious about the typical layout of a river cruise ship? Listen to find out what it is! 

Our conversation delves into the unique features of each type, from the spa options to dining, how river cruises are ...

Come along as we explore a unique travel world within cruising! During this episode, you'll learn some of the basics of small ship cruising, like:

• What qualifies as a small ship, and how many passengers can you expect
• An overview of the advantages of smaller vessels
• The unique experiences small ship cruises offer

We delve into the community aspect of small ship cruising, the cost considerations, and how these cruises comp...

Explore the world of small ship cruising, focusing on three main types: river cruises, yacht cruises, and barge cruises. 

We discuss the unique features, experiences, and benefits of each type, including easy embarkation, cultural immersion, luxury service, and personalized experiences. 

We'll help you understand the differences between these three small ship cruise types and guide you in choosing the right experience for your t...

Small Ship Cruise Talk can help you plan more fulfilling vacations just by listening to the helpful information in each episode. Join us as we share insider information for a look into the world of river cruising, expedition, yacht, and barge cruises.

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Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find t...